Best Clothes Dryers in 2026 as reviewed by Australian consumers

Common questions about clothes dryers
Types of clothes dryers
Other factors to consider when buying a dryer

A dryer in a laundry with freshly dried clothes inside

Common questions about clothes dryers

Do clothes shrink in the dryer?

Yes, sometimes clothes will shrink in the dryer due to an excess of heat and the motion of tumbling wet fabric. Certain natural fibres are more prone to shrinking than others, namely cotton, wool and linen. If most of your clothes are made from these materials (particularly in winter), shrinking is a legitimate concern. Ways to safeguard against it include: drip drying clothes made from these materials, drying on a lower heat setting, or choosing a dryer with auto-sensors that will more accurately stop a cycle before over-drying occurs.

How long does it take clothes to dry?

This can be a tricky question to answer because it depends on so many variables. These include: the size of your laundry load (a larger bundle will take longer to dry), how wet your clothes are (dripping or simply damp), and the spin cycle you’ve used (using a fast spin cycle on your washing machine will make them more dry to begin with). As a general rule of thumb, try to stick to: smaller drying loads consisting of damp clothes spun on a faster cycle, provided it doesn’t ruin your clothes. This will help make your drying times faster.

Are clothes dryers expensive?

Dryers can be expensive but are there are affordable models, too. A basic vented dryer costs around $350-$400, while a washer-dryer combo that includes a heat pump dryer can set you back $6,000. Ultimately, you’ll want to invest in a household appliance that lasts. It’s easy to buy a cheap clothes dryer in the short term and think you’re making a huge saving, but if you come to rely heavily on your dryer, and it turns out to be unreliable, you could spend more money in a short period of time to replace it with a sturdier model. That said, not all ‘cheap’ models will be sub-par; some may be suited to your needs. Do your research beforehand by looking for reviews that comment specifically on the features and functions you most value in a dryer.

Do I really need a dryer?

While convenient, for many people a dryer isn’t as essential as a washing machine. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, or if you don’t need your clothes speedily dried, you can save money by skipping a dryer purchase altogether.

Some alternatives to traditional dryers include: hanging clothes up on a clothesline or clothes rack outside, non-electric dryers like this Kogan Portable Heated Drying Rack, a drying cabinet or a dehumidifier, which removes moisture in the air to help clothes strung over your dining chairs dry faster on rainy days.

Types of clothes dryers

Heat pump dryers · See all

These work by using hot air to absorb moisture from clothes and dry them. Heated air passes through the drum, then the evaporator, which removes the moisture. This water collects inside a removable condensation tank, which you then empty regularly. Heat pump technology is unique, as it conserves energy by recycling hot air after each heat pump drying cycle.

Pros

The most energy efficient clothes dryers; many heat pump dryers have an 8 star energy rating and higher.

Heat pump dryers are the cheapest to run. If you don't mind splashing out initially, this might be worth it if you're drying clothes frequently, for example multiple times a week.

Suitable for apartments, as they don't put too much moisture or hot air into a room.

Cons

The most expensive clothes dryers to buy, these can cost around $1200 to $4500, or up to $6000 for a washer dryer combo that includes a heat pump dryer.

Models tend to be larger in capacity, starting at around 8kg, which can be a disadvantage or impracticable if you’re lacking on laundry space.

Cycle lengths are longer than for other types of dryers, as heat pump dryers use a lower temperature to dry clothes.

Condenser dryers · See all

Condenser dryers remove water from clothes using a heater element, which evaporates moisture that collects inside a condenser tank. This small container is then removed and emptied. You can also remove leftover moisture via a hose pipe that drains water from the dryer into the sink, if that’s easier.

Although they use a similar drying method, the difference between condenser dryers and heat pump dryers is that after a heat pump drying cycle is complete any leftover air is reused, whereas with a condenser dryer it essentially goes to waste.

You'll need good ventilation in your laundry, as condenser dryers increase the level of heat and moisture in the air.

Pros

Suitable for apartments or laundry setups where positioning your dryer near a window isn’t possible, since condenser dryers don’t need to be vented outside.

The second most affordable dryers to buy after vented dryers (however they can still be pricey, often costing between $899 and $1499).

Cons

**Don't often come in small sizes, ** as they're often available in large 6 to 8kg capacities.

Too heavy to be wall mounted, however you can stack a condenser dryer on top of a front-loading washing machine after buying a stacking kit to save space.

The most expensive dryers to run, as condenser dryers tend to be less energy efficient.

Vented dryers · See all

The most basic and common dryers, vented models transfer hot, damp air from the dryer drum to the air outside, via a hose pipe. Vented dryers need to be located near a window or a wall for this reason. To prevent a buildup of hot air in your laundry, good ventilation or a venting/ducting kit may be needed.

Pros

Vented dryers are the cheapest type to buy, selling for as little as $349. If you’ll only be using your vented dryer rarely, it's a cost-effective pick (as these vented types are expensive to run).

These can be wall mounted, as they’re light in weight, which saves floor space in your laundry.

Cons

Vented dryers are usually expensive to run, which may not be sustainable for large households, or if you plan to use your dryer frequently. Make sure you budget for the ongoing costs of running your dryer as well as the initial purchase price.

Cheaper models might not have auto sensors. This means you’ll have to manually pre-set a drying time by guessing how long it will take to dry clothes. This can overdry clothes, which wastes energy and also runs the risk of shrinking clothes.

Washer dryer combos · See all

This is an option worth considering if you’re in the market for both a new washing machine and dryer. Integrating both functions into one appliance, a washer/dryer combination can save space in your laundry, and possibly also money.

A 7kg model can cost upwards of $1200. While this can be cheaper than buying both a washing machine and a dryer separately, it’s likely more expensive than buying just a washing machine or a dryer on its own. Make sure you’ll regularly use both appliances before investing in a washer dryer combo, so it’s worth your while.

A quick note on gas clothes dryers · See all

While this guide focuses on electric dryers, gas clothes dryers are also available – though they’re much less common. You’ll need a gas connection and professional installation, which can be costly. Also, as only Rinnai and Speed Queen sell gas dryers in Australia, they’re much pricier than your average electric clothes dryer.

If you’re okay with all that, gas clothes dryers are more energy efficient than electric dryers, ands also dry clothes faster.

Other factors to consider before buying a dryer

Size

Consider how much available laundry space you have for a clothes air dryer. This will influence the size of any new dryer you're interested in. While freestanding dryers will take up more floor space, other types of dryers can prevent this. You can invest in a stackable dryer instead, which sits on top of, or below, your washing machine. Just make sure you have enough unobstructed vertical space. A wall-mountable clothes dryer is another option for saving laundry floor space. Remember also that the size of a clothes dryer is often determined by its capacity.

Capacity

The capacity of a tumble dryer is measured in kilograms, and determines the amount of dry clothes a dryer is able to comfortably house. The smaller your household or family size, the smaller the kilogram capacity that should be sufficient. A dryer with a higher capacity will house a large drum that dries clothes faster, but using more power.

You can use the below info as a general rule of thumb to determine the dryer capacity to opt for:

Singles or couples: 4-6 kg
Four-person households: 6-7 kg
Five or more people: 7 to 10kg

Another way of estimating capacity is that 1kg is roughly equal to one outfit, consisting of a top, pants, and underclothes.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is measured as a star rating in Australia. 10 stars are awarded to clothes dryer machines with the most energy efficient design possible (however this is rare). 1 star indicates that a model uses an excessive amount of water and electricity to operate.

Not only is a higher energy rating gentler on your power bill, it’s also more eco-friendly. If this is a priority for you, consider buying a heat pump dryer, which will recycle hot air. You can also increase the energy efficiency of your clothes cleaning routine generally by using a cold wash setting on your washing machine instead of warm or hot water. Even on a long cycle, this is more efficient than using a hot, quick wash.

Features

There are certain features on clothes dryers that can make them easier to use and more effective at drying.

Anti-wrinkle function: This reduces the amount of wrinkles in clothes, by tumbling them on a gentle cycle after the regular cycle is complete.
Auto sensors: These automatically detect when a load has finished drying. This offers a more accurate (and hassle-free) method than guessing how long your clothes will take to dry, which can overdry or underdry them.
Child safety locks: Child safety locks require you to enter a ‘secret code’ by pressing a special series of buttons before the dryer turns on. This prevents children from accidentally turning on the dryer, or climbing in and closing it shut before it starts.
Delay time function: A feature that delays the start time of a drying cycle. For example you can program your dryer to end its cycle just after you wake up, or you can program it to run during off-peak energy periods to save money.
Delicates program: This program is more friendly for drying precious garments, as it uses a gentle, low temperature. Just to be safe, avoid putting silk, cashmere, rubber or pleather in your dryer, as they may melt or become otherwise damaged, even on a delicate cycle.
Drying rack: A rack protects delicate or precious items that should avoid taking a tumble. These include items that aren’t clothes, for example a child’s favourite soft toy or a pair of canvas shoes.
Extra dry program: This does what you'd expect it to, by getting your clothes closer to a zero percent moisture content, rather than the 6% maximum moisture content allowed for dryers sold in Australia. In most cases, the extra dry program isn't really necessary and may even shrink clothes.
Lint filters: These are easiest to access when they're front mounted. They should be cleaned after every drying cycle. If lint builds up, it can create a fire hazard or decorate dry clothes with lint bunnies.
Reverse tumbling: A feature similar to an agitator in a washing machine. The dryer drum reverses the direction of tumbling periodically, to ensure every inch of clothes are dried and tangle-free.
Reversible door hinges: These allow the dryer door to push inwards rather than outwards, making them a suitable option if you have limited space in your laundry.
Sanitise cycle: This cycle claims to kill bacteria and allergens that can lurk in clothing.
Woollen program: A woollen program uses less heat to reduce the chance of your wool or wool-blend clothes shrinking. However, there’s still some risk that woollen clothing can shrink, so use with caution.

Extra features on Bosch Series 8 Heat Pump Dryer

Wrapping up

We hope you're now equipped you with the information you need to invest in a trustworthy dryer, or be satisfied with your decision not to buy one. Before buying a dryer, remember to consider: the amount of space in your laundry and whether it's well ventilated, the size of your household, materials of your clothing, and how frequently you'll be drying clothes. These will all help determine if a dryer is a viable and convenient option for your household.

Best Clothes Dryers

Contents

Common questions about clothes dryers

Do clothes shrink in the dryer?

How long does it take clothes to dry?

Are clothes dryers expensive?

Do I really need a dryer?

Types of clothes dryers

Heat pump dryers · See all

Condenser dryers · See all

Vented dryers · See all

Washer dryer combos · See all

A quick note on gas clothes dryers · See all

Other factors to consider before buying a dryer

Size

Capacity

Energy efficiency

Features

Wrapping up